Joining the famous youth academy of Ajax at the tender age of seven years old, it became clear very quickly that Wesley Sneijder had a future in football ahead of him. Everybody could see the talent of this Utrecht-born player, who could strike and pass the ball with his both feet equally well at the age of five.

His breakthrough in professional football came in 2003, making his debut in February against Willem II. The 18 year-old gave a first impression of his superb vision, great passing with both feet and excellent free kicks. Together with stars-to-be like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristian Chivu, Sneijder and Ajax almost sensationally beat later winners AC Milan in the quarter finals of the Champions League. Sneijder made his debut for the Dutch team in a friendly against Portugal, less than three months after having played his first game in the first team of Ajax.

Being one of the main forces of Ajax in the coming seasons, Sneijder developed his talents very well. It resulted in a spectacular eighteen goals in 30 matches in the 2006/2007 season. Together with Ajax, Sneijder won the league title in 2003/2004 and conquered the national cup twice (2006 and 2007). The 2003/2004 season also meant his breakthrough in the Dutch national team. Scoring the first goal and providing three assists, Sneijder was the man of the match in the 6-0 humiliation of Scotland in a play-off that provided the Netherlands a spot on Euro 2004.

13 August 2007 was a day on which a dream came true for Sneijder. He moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid and became a team mate of Raul, his youth idol. With Real Madrid, Sneijder won La Liga in 2008, scoring nine goals in 30 games for Los Blancos. Euro 2008 started great for him, being a goalscorer in the wins against Italy and France. However, even Sneijder could not prevent the huge disappointment the Netherlands experienced in the quarter final against Guus Hiddink’s Russia.

With the return of chairman Florentino Perez, it became clear that there was no place for the attacking midfielder in the Spanish capital. This was very good news for Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho, who wanted him in his Nerazzurri side. His debut was spectacular; just arrived Milan, Sneijder was a starter in the famous derby against AC Milan. The Dutchman played well and Inter trashed their arch rivals 4-0.

His character and temper are things that could cause some trouble to his team, as we saw in the derby against Milan after applauding sarcastically a decision of referee Gianluca Rocchi. His girlfriend is Dutch celebrity Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen, something that puts Sneijder under a lot of media attention. Dutch football lovers hope he can keep his head cool in South-Africa.Did you know that:

Wesley’s younger brother Rodney is a talented football player too? Rodney (18) is also coming from the youth ranks of Ajax and still plays in Amsterdam, waiting for his breakthrough.